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What are my rights as an employee in Illinois?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

As an employee in Illinois, you have several rights that are protected by law. Here are some of the key rights guaranteed to employees in Illinois:

  1. Minimum Wage: Employers in Illinois must pay their employees at least the minimum wage set by the state. As of January 1, 2022, the minimum wage in Illinois is $12.00 per hour for non-tipped employees and $9.00 per hour for tipped employees, although some municipalities may have higher minimum wage rates.
  2. Overtime: Non-exempt employees in Illinois are entitled to overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours in a workweek. Overtime pay is calculated at one and a half times the regular rate of pay.
  3. Anti-Discrimination: Illinois prohibits discrimination in the workplace on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. If you believe you have been discriminated against, you may file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
  4. Family and Medical Leave: The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to eligible employees for certain family or medical reasons. Illinois also has its own state FMLA law that provides additional leave protections to some employees.
  5. Workers' Compensation: If you are injured or become ill as a result of your employment, you are entitled to workers' compensation benefits under Illinois law. These benefits can include medical treatment, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation.
  6. Protected Activities: Illinois law prohibits retaliation against employees who engage in certain protected activities, such as filing a complaint about discrimination, participating in an investigation of discrimination, or reporting a violation of workplace safety rules.

While these are some of the main employee rights in Illinois, there may be other rights and protections available to you depending on your specific situation. If you believe your rights have been violated, you should speak with an experienced attorney who can advise you on the best course of action.